Listening to this one a lot, so it must be good!

If you are wearing big plastic neon colored sunglasses and a v-neck you will love this album. If you like music that is unique and thoughtfully composed, you will be confused as to why this is getting so much hype. Does it deserve a 0? no, but i'm giving it one anyway. Suck it.

"Contra" had the problem of impossible expectations. Fans want this, they want that.. and if they don't get it it's WW3. Not only does "Contra" do whatever the **** it wants, but it does it fantastically and with the same effortless poise and class at their landmark debut.

Hmmmm... I'm kind of confused as to why this has such a low user rating. I find this to be an absolutely excellent album, better than their first if pretty much every aspect. Some standout tracks would be "Horchata," "White Sky," "California English," "Run," and "Diplomat's Son." I loved their first LP and am enjoying this one even more.

While you could say the first album was a 'perfect album' they should've tried something new with the second album and they did and it's pretty damn fantastic.

Excellent album. they are the most distinctive band around. run,horchata, and diplomat's son are my favourite songs. don't miss their sophomore. you may not find hits compared to their debut but you can easily find your own hits in "contra"

Not as good as debut, but it grows after every listening i love Run and Giving up the Gun. i dont understand why they chose that first single as it has nothing to do with the rest of the album and its the most "normal" song

Didn't knock me out like first album, bur still solid. Needs more of that great drumming from the first record.

Very very disappointing. When did Ezra turn into Weird Al?? Paul Simon's Graceland is a masterpiece which should and must never be compared to this junk. Batmanglij should focus more on keyboards and less on making VW another Discovery, i.e. useless and rubbish.

An extremely solid debut that retains their sound while still expanding on it. On repeated listens I learned to love the progressing sound and the ferocity of the songs, even in the more subtle tracks like "Taxi Cab" and "Diplomat's Son." It's a definite grower if you give it more than one opportunity.

While coming off sounding a but like "Vampire Weekend Remixed", the original New England charm manages to keep itself from becoming straight up quirk by the use of some great harmonies and bouncy musical devices.

Excellent sophomore album that gets better after each listen. If you got into the sound on the first album this isn't a huge departure yet a solid album.

It's technically solid, more so than their first album, but something is missing. Also, did not like their use of auto-tune, even if it's meant to be a joke.

Just simply superb pop music. This is just a fun album and it has stripped away some of the pretension of their debut.

Lyrics do not flow with many of the songs, seem oddly out of place

I would give it a 20 if i could. Contra is so good, inventive and generous you want to dance, sing, laugh at the same time. probably one of the most important band now opening the decade with one of the best album. Chapeau.

I don't actually think it deserves a 0, but it certainly doesn't deserve a 6. Overrated hipster dribble.

Vampire Weekend's debut album is a tough act to follow, so c'mon, cut these Ivy League boys some slack. Although nothing from "Contra" gobsmacks you with the same immediacy as "I Stand Corrected" and "Oxford Comma", a backlash is unwarranted. If anything, the songs, this time around, are better arranged, which almost makes up for the disappointing tunesmanship. "Giving Up the Gun", with its percussive backing track, gives minimalism a good name, just like Prince did during his glory years(disc one of "Sign of the Times", and "Kiss"(from "Parade")), and more importantly, the one track that would've been at home on the band's superlative debut. There's other highlights, albeit only for fans with realistic expectations. The lead singer sounds like a collegiate Paul Simon on "Taxi Cab", had "Graceland" been recorded at the beginning of the old folkie's career. "Run", and especially "Horchata", while not pure songs(any garage band could cover "A-Punk" and sound great), indie-rock songs that transcend its sometimes limiting aesthetic, the African-flavored percussions and baroque instrumentation adorn the two "Contra" tracks with a lot of textural detail; they're busy songs that give the listener something to unpack. "This ain't no [sophmore slump]/this ain't no fooling around". "Contra" is "no party", "no disco"; the improved musicianship shows a newfound respect for the African sounds they're pillaging.… Expand

I have listened to this album several times and it is an infectious, captivating recording. I literally wore out my copy of VW's debut--not much new ground covered here, but the energy and enthusiasm is palpable. It sounds great on my home stereo and great on my mp3 player, bursting with instrumentation and catchy tunes. I love what the Guardian said: "sounding a bit like Paul Simon's Graceland being covered by 90s geeks They Might Be Giants." That really says it all. Fantastic record.… Expand

Beautiful, clever, and catch. This album has a certain heartfelt feeling that is missing from their first record, which makes up for the fact that Contra is less happy go lucky than their debut. Songs like "Giving Up the Gun," "Diplomats Son," and "White Sky" stand out. With their sophmore album they prove that they are still smarter than their indie peers, but they also show that they are more more endearing.… Expand

Why such low user comments? oh your still stuck on KE$HA and other pop shit right? This album is perfect! wake up to what real music is or have you been in the smog of crappy music for so long you dont know what good music is anymore?

"Cousins" is by far the best song on this album; too bad the rest of the album couldn't live up to those expectations. On first listen I came away bored and disappointed considering their debut made my Top 10 in 2008. I found the majority of the songs on "Contra" too frilly and empty of emotion or groove, not to mention the overly annoying vocals. I'll give them another chance, but I have to say it was tough to make it through the first time.… Expand

I dont get why this is getting such bad user ratings. I think it is a stronger album than their first. Whilst not as immediate as the first, the songs seem more complex, and for that, will make the album more enjoyable to listen to down the trackl

Not as catchy as their first album, but I feel it's a more mature second album over all it's a "B" effort.

Although not nearly as immediate as their first offering, all these songs are huge growers. you'll be tapping your foot to the skittering beats (this is seriously one innovative if not overly showy drummer) and choppy and swirly electronic sounds in no time.

This is a great follow-up for Vampire weekends first CD. Their originality comes through on each song and they are as clever as they have ever been. But, we need more songs next time guys!

Not bad... Not good. Just regular.

Daddy when you call me you can call me Al.

This album doesn't have songs that grab you right away like their first album. However, I cannot stop from replaying the album all over again each time it finishes, and after several listens, every song continues to grow on me. It's really great to see that their first album wasn't a fluke. I can't wait for more music from these guys. The stand out songs for me: "White Sky" and "Run."… Expand

The band is riding on the wave of hype and influence of pitchfork media. There is nothing new about this band. There is nothing ground breaking about this album. It is not that great.

"Contra" has been on repeat for me ever since I got it on Tuesday. Yes, the first album was more instantly catchy, but this one is just as addictive and compulsively listenable. I keep singing "He was a diplomat's suh-uh-uh-un / he was eighty-wu-uh-un" over and over again. It's really a great grower if you just keep listening! Good early candidate for Best of 2010.

really messy. it seems as if they rushed this one. there are some ideas here, but overall the pieces are inchoate and end up as crap. stark contrast from their pristine, string-flourished debut. i;'m dissapointed in the group for not putting more effort into the songs.

If you want the real VW, listen to Contramelt A and B on the bonus disc. The main release is MOR pop crap. Enjoy the Billboard number 1 Batmanglij with your production-lite techniques.

I must be hearing this band differently than others because I disagree with the consensus that this is good but worse than their debut. In every way, this sounds to my ears like the confident delivery of what was, to this point, merely potential.

This album is a very good one. Perhaps not as good as their first, but songs like "Cousins" and "Diplomat's Son" are as good as "A-Punk" or "Oxford Comma". I take this album for what it is: a very good sophomore effort.

In a few years from now, no one will remember Vampire Weekend. They're a trend that won't last.

Lackluster. Pretentious. Fatuous and vacuous. Those are words that came to mind whilst listening to this album. Shame. Their first album showed signs of promise.

Vampire Weekend is a great band! Their music is always unpredictable, they always have cool beats and dynamic lyrics! Get CONTRA NOW!

While the majority of people I'm sure won't agree with this; I think it's slightly better than their debut. It's a little more colorful and they explore a greater range of sounds. The tremolo pick in 'Cousins' is a complete ripoff of 'Thunderstruck'.

I seem to be in the minority here, seeing the User Votes average, but I thought it was as good as their first! OK, there's nothing as catchy as A-Punk (not even lead single Cousins), but neither it there anything as embarrassing as One (Blake's Got A New Face). Best Song: either Diplomat's Son or I Think Ur A Contra. Like their debut, the album begins spikily and gradually becomes more emotional.… Expand

Great album, I'm already looking forward to the next one.

This is the most entertaining album I have heard in a couple years! It's really surprising as the Vampire Weekend's previous releases weren't among my faves. It's such a wonderful album, I am addicted listening to it from beginning to the end non-stop. This album will be classic in the years to come. A real and hugely entertaining masterpiece!

Positive and catchy songs. Pleasure to listen.

While the disc is certainly quite solid it doesn't resonate as brightly as their debut, I'm afraid. I've played it five times in just a couple of days and I'm still waiting for some of the tunes to sink in. The band appears to have a large contingent of haters out there (witness the ridiculous 0 scores which are bringing down the user ratings) matched by an overzealous fanbase. I'm a fan but tread more moderately. The challenge for them will be what to do next.… Expand

At least Ray W. and Mr. T gave it a fair and objective listen. The ratings on this albums are an example of why I never go by user reviews 101.

I agree that VW's follow-up isn't as immediate as their debut. But give it several listens, letting the songs sink in. The songs sound bigger, more confident. The most impressive aspect is that VW have shown that they can evolve their sound and still deliver another batch of excellent songwriting.

As Pitchfork said, the album has a much more eccentric sound to it. Although the songs aren't altogether as strong as the first album, Contra is brighter and newer sounding as their debut. Sure, they're not going to win over any new fans with this one, but any music coming from Vampire Weekend feels like a breath of fresh air, so who cares anyways? It's as brilliant of a follow-up as you could expect from such a good first album. Highlights: White Sky, I Think Ur A Contra, Horchata.… Expand

They're taking chances. They're expanding their palette. They still make great pop songs. Why are people hating this? I don't like preppy fashion either, but why should they pretend to be someone else? Get some taste.

Although the music may not seem as fresh as their first album upon first listen, when further inspected, Contra is more finely crafted and interesting than their first record and an incredibly fun listen.

Amazing. I am a huge fan of their first album, and Contra expands on their style then while still keeping the same spirit. I would highly recommend lead singer Ezra Koenig's tongue-tying autotuned vocals in "California English", the upbeat "Holiday", and the M.I.A. sampling "Diplomat's Son". All great stuff on the album.

After listening to the record 5 or so times, I can tell that this is going to be a keeper. It's rare that I can listen to an album 5 times within a few days, and like it more with each listen. I find Vampire Weekend to have such a natural, organic sound to their music that it both excites me and calms me at the same time. And at the end of the day, stirring emotion is what music';s all about, isn't it?… Expand

A great album that improves from the already awesome debut album, with the only misstep being "Diplomat's Son."

Nice follow-up to the first one. Boatloads of wordplay soaked in African rhythms and snarky East Coast College attitude. Not warm and fuzzy, but varied, entertaining and fun.

This album is not as good as their first. However, it is very, very good. Holiday, California English, and Giving Up the Gun are personal favorites. Their sound is incredible. If you liked Wolfgang Amadeus by Phoenix, you'll like this.

It's definitely a grower, but it's thoroughly amazing by the third or fourth lesson.

Is the music competent? Yes. Is it an unapologetic aping of Rhythm of the Saints-era Paul Simon. Oh yes! Where is Vampire Weekend's own sound? It's apparently gone. Unacceptable.

Not as great as their debut album, but still a pretty amazing one. They don't stray far from their signature sound that won all of us over two years ago. A great way to start off the music of 2010!

Great Album with inventive beats and short guitar rhythms. They have very catchy lyrics and they use the synth a lot more in this music. The 1st album is better though. People who gave this album a bad review seem like they have not listened to the whole thing.

Does anyone else find this music not very exciting?

Boring and uninteresting, Vampire Weekend make a safe sounding album that whitewashes their worldly influences.

when did this band become so bad that they don't know what their best material is and they stick it as bonus tracks here and there? also what the f happened to the strings and Upper West Side Soweto? now it's just a bad appropriation of Soweto.

Don't they sound a bit gay though? Just saying i think Motley Crue deserve another listen.

Not as solid as the debut - still pretty unique and worth repeated listens.

It is not as fun as their first album, and some of the songs are downright frustrating. 'Contra' is, however, a creative and catchy album that serves as a worthy sophomore effort.

My favorite album of the year. Richer than their first and a great mixing of playful originality with accessibility. Haters, go back to listening to Motley Crue, then, or Battles, then, whatever your thing is. This is my kind of thing.

What happened? Vampire Weekend's debut was of a style so fresh, simple and absorbing it couldn't help but collect masses of praise from critics and fans alike, yet they've somehow weighed themselves down in this second outing. Opener 'Horchata' and lead single 'Cousins' are full of such dizzying synth or percussion hooks you almost feel nauseous listening to them, while 'White Sky' is an uninspiring rip-off of Paul Simon's Graceland. The one high point on the album is 'Taxi Cab', which is actually one of the best tracks the band have ever written and the only example of them being able to replicate the beautiful harmony and delicacy of their debut while simultaneously being a change of style. The rest of the album sounds hideously like a Vampire Weekend tribute group that just don't get the sound.… Expand

One of the few albums I can listen to without changing track. It's far better than their first LP. "near-perfection"? What kinda music are you listening to?, coz it must be terrible.

It isn't as consistently good as their first album, but this is still worth buying, it has a couple standout songs. I like that they didn't completely abandon what brought them initial success.

Took me awhile to fully enjoy this album but to be honest, I kind of didn't want to like this band. I thought for some reason that this was a band that's lame to like. But I was sorely mistaken. From the catchy opener "Horchata" to there hit single :Giving Up The Gun", Contra is almost a flawless. Ezra Koenig's vocals are simple yet so perfect for these pop tracks. All In All, Contra is a great album that shouldn't go missed. B+… Expand

"Contra" features many interesting catchy tracks like "Cousins", "Giving Up the Gun", "Horchata" and "Holiday". Maybe your children below age of ten may like this because it is so childlike, and maybe it'll be pass down to the next few generations too. Ezra Koenig & co. really know how to play funky music with their drums, guitars and keyboards.

Better album than their last, but there's still something missing here. They just don't have the full sound they could on a lot of songs. The synths don't work as well for them as they think they do.

Having despised their first album, I had no idea I would love Contra as much as I do. But Vampire Weekend has managed to take everything I hated about their debut and turned it into a much more likable sound.

Vampire Weekend's playfulness from their debut album continues delightfully on "Contra". Although one may feel that they're rehashing some of the formulas they captured the first time around, they have vitality and inspiration all the way through. Highlights, as "Holiday", are songs you'll be humming long after you've turned off the record.

This might be an album that has to grow on you a bit but after a few listens I got hooked. I think this second album is even better and a little deeper musically than their previous album. Lots of great tunes here and my personal favorites are Holiday, White Sky, and Cousins. The only track i felt was weak which is why i rated 9 is i don't care too much for the song California English. It was a bit goofy but none the less a solid album!… Expand

Not nearly as good as their self titled debut album, but still fantastic non the less. The only tracks that didn't catch my fancy very much were California English and Run, otherwise, the album is pitch perfect. VW returns with their fun, upbeat, and unique sound.

this album was excellent. the singing and songwriting were good. the album showcases their musical ability. and they are fantastic. white sky and taxi cab are great songs. diplomat's son as also a winner

I don't see why this album is so harshly judged by so many. It seems superiour to original in basically every possible way of comparing the two. The reason why the original album was so strong was that every there were no weaker song and all were instantly likeable from the first listen. This album seems the same, with the possible exception of California English which wasn't instantly likeable, but I am now a fan of. How Contra differs is that it has much more depth than the debut, with the final three songs being so much greater than the sum of their parts. I really see it being very close to infallible, as there really isn't anything notable I can find to criticise... While I find it impossible to ever pick a definitive "favourite album", Contra would be one of the three albums that get down to the "you can't make me choose between them" stage.… Expand

I think that this album contains any magic effect on me, when i listen songs like diplomat's son (a relly fantastic song). Cousins, Horchata, Holiday and Giving up the gun offers diversity into his own style and interpretation of music. A beautiful continuation o his debut album.

The album Contra definitely builds off of it's predecessor (Vampire Weekend), but it is still kind of bland in some areas.

Very fun album, although you have to let it grow on you. Vampire Weekend's self-titled album is still better than this one, though. A little softer and more relaxed then their first album.